Kayakers – What to Do if You Capsize?

There are some startling statistics I would like to share with you!

“Paddling fatalities, which increased yet again in 2023 to nearly one in three (32.5 percent) recreational boating deaths in the United States, up from 27.4 percent in 2022.”

Read that again! That is definitely concerning!

How many times do you hear about fellow kayakers who have found themselves in a harrowing situation, clinging on to whatever debris is in the water, and/or have completely capsized? Just this summer, I think I’ve heard of at least 6-8 different events such as this, just near my hometown. What is always surprising and startling are the number of people who have lost their lives doing something they love. Fellow kayakers – this has to stop!

As our local, state and federal government bodies think about ways to help ensure the safety of kayakers, personally, I think it’s imperative that hands-on safety courses need to be mandatory for everyone.

In an article I read, it stated, “Recreational Boating Safety Statistics reveals that nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of those who died in paddling accidents in 2022 had less than 100 hours experience in the activity, and well over one-third (39.7 percent) had less than 10 hours experience. In other words, the paddlers who are most at risk aren’t the young guns charging through whitewater rapids; they’re ordinary folks who bought a kayak on a whim.”

So, my question to you, as a fellow kayaker – have you practiced rescue techniques so you don’t become one of those statistics? It’s time – it’s past due!

I think most of us know someone in our kayaking circles/groups whom is very knowledgeable and experienced with the various rescue techniques. Reach out to them and organize a small self-rescue group for your fellow kayakers. You can call your meeting time: Self-Rescue – say NO to death.

Today, I was given the opportunity to practice self-rescue skills with a very experienced and competent kayaker. You can view my practice time here:

I’m embarrassed to admit that before today, I’ve never taken the time to learn and practice. I’ve been kayaking for 3 years now and I have a ton of experience as I embark upon as many kayaking trips as I can squeeze into my schedule. So, my practice today was way overdue.

The exciting part for me is that I was able to re-enter my kayak on the first try…and then the second time and again the third time! I learned a lot from my instructor and I don’t think I would have succeeded so much without his words of advice and counsel and support.

But, I know that I need to practice theses skills every year and for me, in rainy Oregon, during the summer months is the best time. I highly suggest that all other kayakers do the same.

While looking up rescue techniques on the internet, I came across this outstanding video. The gentleman’s name is Dan and he owns and operates Headwaters Kayak. If you’re ready to take the first step, this video does a great job demonstrating the 3 Kayak Rescues Every Paddler Should Know.

Today, I was 100% successful with the “Heel Hook Rescue.” I also tried a solo entry without assistance, but I just don’t have the upper body strength to pull myself up onto my kayak. So, I will be purchasing a “paddle float.” When you read the description on Amazon, it states, “In the event of a capsize, the Paddle Float turns your paddle into an outrigger to stabilize the kayak, making re-entry easier.” I will let you know how that works for me.

Just one piece of advice or counsel – if you capsize and already know how to succeed at a kayak rescue, that doesn’t mean that the kayakers you are with know the same information. So, be talkative and share with them exactly what you need them to do.

Thanks for reading this very important information! Happy Kayaking All!

Me – after my successful practice today!

PS – A HUGE thank you to John Darrow for my much needed rescue practice!